Mix-up nearly costs Bovell his medal

A BREAKDOWN in communications between Sports Minister Roger Boynes and Government officials at President’s House, nearly caused Olympic bronze medallist George Bovell III to miss being presented his Chaconia Gold Medal at the National Awards Ceremony at President’s House. The drama began earlier in the day when Bovell arrived from Greece at Piarco International Airport after 5 pm and was received at a special function in his honour, hosted by Boynes. The Minister reportedly said that because of Bovell’s late arrival, he would not be going to President’s House. However Bovell was insistent on attending the awards and relayed that message to family members who were already at President’s House. By the time the news reached President’s House, the other recipients who were present had already received their awards and President George Maxwell Richards was already indicating that an investiture would be held at year’s end for three absentee Chaconia Gold Medal recipients, one of whom was golfer Stephen Ames.

The President was hastily informed of Bovell’s situation and announced to the gathering: “However another circumstance has arisen. One of our awardees was somewhat detained in Athens for having to lead this country’s delegation at the closing ceremony on Sunday evening. He attempted to get back to Trinidad and Tobago by the quickest route and had every expectation that he would be here to receive his award. “However quite uncharacteristically BWIA was late. He is now on the way from the airport and I would wish to crave your indulgence by allowing us to proceed with the presentation sometime after the reception has commenced. This was a wish that he personally expressed — that he be given the award before the distinguished gathering.”

The President asked the assembled guests to partake of refreshments while they awaited Bovell’s arrival. They waited patiently for the next hour and many of them swarmed Prime Minister Patrick Manning to ask him about his August 20 pacemaker implant and enquire about his overall state of health. “Don’t worry about me,” the Prime Minister told Newsday with a broad smile as he mingled freely with a bevy of dignitaries and well-wishers. The wait was over when Bovell, clad in track suit and sneakers with his medal hanging round his neck, entered President’s House to be greeted by loud applause and a flurry of hugs. Officials moved swiftly to usher guests back to their seats and allow the President, Prime Minister, First Lady Jean Richards, Education Minister Hazel Manning, Chief Justice Sat Sharma and his wife to take their seats on the stage for Bovell’s presentation.

Bovell received thunderous applause and a standing ovation as he received his Chaconia Gold and proudly displayed it to the crowd along with his bronze medal. Speaking afterwards with reporters, Bovell said there was a mix-up at the airport because of the reception thrown by Boynes and he nearly did not make it. Bovell said he was happy to receive his award, placed it on the same level as his bronze medal and promised TT to look out for a lot of good things from him in the future. Asked if this meant Olympic gold, Bovell replied with a smile: “You never know what can happen in four years.” Bovell said he plans to return to school at Auburn University after taking a two week vacation and then resume training.